I teased you all a bit last week by saying that today’s post may cause half of you to drop me from your RSS readers. I have a confession to make, and it could tarnish your image of me… I’m a Dirty Liberal.
There, I said it, the truth is out (waits as half the readers file out of the room).
I’ve avoided talking politics on this blog for a couple of reasons. Mostly, because I want this to be a place where anybody (even people like Dave Fowler) can visit and not feel excluded. The other reason is quite simply, politics doesn’t define me. And to be honest, liberalism doesn’t define me. To be more accurate, I’m more likely a centrist (waits as 25% of the hardcore liberals exit the room). I also fear unintentionally shading the content of this site with my political beliefs.
“Was that post about stinky poo really a swipe at Republicans?”
You see, political beliefs tend to divide people who might otherwise get along. People get VERY wrapped up in their ideologies, so much that it becomes their identities.
I know this because I have friends and acquaintances who are Republicans. Some of them are foaming-at-the-mouth angry over this election season. There are some people I won’t even talk to because I know I’m just going to hear an endless rant about how Barack Obama is a Muslim terrorist, non-American, non-flag pin wearing, communist, socialist who wipes his butt with the American Flag while using aborted fetuses as slippers. And they are angry at me for not agreeing with them.
The interesting part is that the people who are most certain in their own infallibility and ideologies are usually the people who are the least informed. They follow the party lines, they rarely read outside the curriculum. They RARELY challenge their own beliefs. They point their fingers at evil not realizing the true sources of their pain. I know people on both sides of aisle who are like this, it isn’t just a Right thing.
I’ve always held my beliefs to a higher standard.
I demand a bit more from those who wish to mold me in their likeness. I ask questions. I DEMAND answers. I am also open minded enough to consider new evidence. I have also changed my beliefs on major issues, something which seems to be rare these days. More people seem to be interested in defending their beliefs and seek only facts which suport their ideologies. Anything to the contrary is seen as an outright lie and immediately discounted.
Break free form the herd mentality
I also never take the words of a radio or television personality as the gospel.
The talking heads on the Right and Left have a secret that they don’t want you to know. But I know it because I was in the media. I dealt with the PR hacks. I know how information works. And here is their dirty secret – they NEED you to keep thinking in this Us versus Them mentality. They need you to see things as either black or white and right or wrong. It is a divisive tactic. It is used to sell advertising. It is used to use you.
Truth is, you are nothing more than a commodity to these corporations and the powers that be.
I’m not saying the truth isn’t out there. It’s just not easy to discern. Even if you take away the selfish interests of those who control and shape information, even if you find a reputable journalist who busts their ass to deliver the truth, and there are some out there, you’ll not likely find the truth on TV or the radio.
The truth is complex. Shades of gray can’t be capsulized in 30 second sound bites.
We will NEVER know the whole story. There are so many hidden influences, motives and powers pushing buttons that it is nearly impossible to ever find something which is as simple as it black and white, right or wrong. Politics makes for strange bedfellows and too many politicians are whores willing to sell your ass for their interests.
So even if you think you know it all, you don’t. You can’t. All you can do it try to stay informed by as many different sources as possible. In time you will find a few sources which can be trusted more than others.
So why am I bringing all this up now?
Well, because tomorrow is election day in the United States. It’s a big election to say the least. I’m not going to tell you how to vote. I won’t even tell you that you SHOULD vote. An uninformed vote is worse than no vote. Tempers WILL flare between friends and families. Words WILL be exchanged. And it’s going to get personal and it’s going to get ugly. It already has.
I would advise you to rise above the fray. Don’t fight someone else’s battle, a battle in which you are merely a pawn.
Life is too short. There is too much to love to wallow in the hate of Us versus Them.
I have another confession to make… I don’t really think half of you will drop me from your RSS readers. If you’ve read this far, you’re obviously a person who takes their time and doesn’t rush to judgment.
As always, thanks for reading.
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You know Blogger Dad. I was wondering who would be as stupid as placing that sign on the door. I’m a former seminary, certainly not a hippie, but just seeing that sign puts me quite defensive.
I believe people have a right to be clear about what they think and stand for, but there is a way to be that still be kind.
Even today when the Spanish media speaks about the Spanish Civil War they try to cheat me into believing it was good guys vs bad guys thing. The truth is that they both committed terrible crimes, sometimes for political reasons, but often as an excuse for pillage.
And when I see signs like that… well you can be quite sure I must be close to starvation to enter such a shop.
Politics? I thought this was a parenting blog! I’m never coming back!
I wondered if you were going to talk about politics, considering what tomorrow is. We don’t discuss it at our house at all because we’re a divided house.
Hey, what happened to the cat? I saw a cat in my reader. I can’t believe you took a cute picture of a cat off your blog. That’s it, I’m outta here. Can’t hang with a non-cat person.
Kool Aids last blog post..Halloween
That’s it, I’m not lurking anymore….stomps off in a huff.
No really now, I couldn’t agree with you more. I can’t wait until this election is over. No matter what the outcome.
The glass house picture is perfect. And so TRUE.
Jens last blog post..Wordless Wednesday #6
I couldn’t agree with you more. Why do people feel the need to ram their beliefs down everyone’s throat? I’m very much of the you believe in what you want to believe in and I’ll believed in what I want to believe in (after digging right to the root of it all and actually KNOWING what I believe in).
I cannot comprehend how families and friends could get so divided on this. Move over to my thinking or we’re never speaking again. How does that work!
I enjoy a healthy discussion with someone over their differing opinions but when it gets to mud slinging and personal attacks, I’m outta there!
Oh and by the way, I’m joining the herd and stomping off in a huff!
Tara@From Dawn Till Rusks last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: What’s the first single you ever bought?
Well, I still love you Dave. I thought about deleting you for a second but then I counted to ten and it’s all good.
I usually vote Republican, but then I can be considered a Democrat at times because I support change. It’s a good thing. Actually, the whole thing is corrupt and failing and I’m not sure it matters who “runs” the country. They’re just interested in the perks of the job and the guaranteed book deals later.
Jamie Simmermans last blog post..Red Sky at Night: Writer’s Delight
You don’t even want to know what I think of this whole ‘show’ as a Canadian. Seriously, it’s reality TV at its absolute worst (and that’s pretty bad). I totally agree with your rant. THINK for yourselves people. And please don’t make it about skin colour or moral issues. It’s about which party/person is the right person to run a very large business. /end of rant
Urban Panthers last blog post..The Lion versus the Call Centre
Well, if you’re so dirty you COULD simply wash up!
That being said, I find it interesting that the classical definition of liberal is the exact opposite of how it’s defined today. I think it’s important for outsiders looking in at American politics to realize they also are being used by the media in the way that you describe.
No matter what happens, it will be a very short while before the media turns and devours whoever wins tomorrow. Both candidates at one time or another have been the darlings of the media. I’m thinking perhaps we should just leave it all to the Fourth Estate, as they’re so good at problem-solving and knowing everything.
Betsys last blog post..COMPASS
Personally, I find politics boring, or way too dividing. Even in Canada, the past election had so many people in a huff, because they used to be Liberals and they didn’t like the person who represented the party, so they had to vote Conservative. Some even opted out of voting because of the choices, or voting for the Green Party because they were neutral enough. So much anger, hostility and over-inundation of misinformation. It is stressful to watch, hard to not take part too deeply in the bowels of politics, so I have almost removed it completely from my vocabulary also. Why cause problems?
I love this post, thank you for sharing!
Rosie : )s last blog post..Photos, as promised
I just spent the weekend with my boyfriend’s family. Republicans to the death! Every time politics came up (as it often did) I played the, “Oh look, there’s a sale on shoes!” or “Oh wow, are you as hungry as I am?” cards just to avoid the topic. Not because I don’t want to defend my own opinions, but because with some people there IS no defense.
They are so single-minded (close-minded?) that nothing I could utter would do a thing to budge any one of them, and would likely do harm. So I stay mum and wait impatiently for this to pass so we can settle into whatever this election gives us.
Thanks for writing Dave. This is a subject I’m afraid I’ll start typing, and will not ever stop. You hit the nail on the head, then pounded it through the plank. People need to listen, and understand that neither side has all the answers. And you are also correct, an uninformed vote is worse than no vote. I can’t even discuss politics with my own father anymore. Though I agree with a lot of what he says, it is far too unpleasant when I don’t. Some people don’t want to stray from the party line.
Writer Dads last blog post..Let’s Get Our Kids Drunk! or Happy Halloween!
Aww, sugar – one may be friends without loving every little aspect of one’s amigos.
May I introduce you to Political Buddhism? We walk the middle way, for that is the path to enlightenment.
OK, so mostly Political Buddhists don’t toe any party line and try to approach each vote, each candidate, on its/their own merit (or lack thereof) and don’t judge others for voting differently because we know they approach voting and politics from their own experience.
Whew, it’s exhausting, especially with the often rabid “My party is the only right party and you’re a troglodyte if you think otherwise!!” mentality going around. It’s also time consuming because it means we actually have to learn about who or what we’re voting on instead of just clicking, punching, marking, or electronically indicating what our party says we should.
As for politics on one’s blog, well…I refrain, too…because it’s not something I want to talk about or be lambasted for (I get enough of that at home). I won’t say who I am voting for, or why…I’ll just say I’m voting, and if someone wants to bitch about our nation’s quirks and foibles, they’d better have voted, too.
Shade and Sweetwater,
K (who can’t be scared off by a little ol’ thing like political leanings)
Kyddryns last blog post..NaNoWriMoNaBloPoMo….
I don’t think anyone has the right answers. Everyone has their own beliefs and that is it. I hate tics of any kind, especially the blood sucking kind…take it as you will. The thing that kills me is that my beliefs float on both sides, so I might as well chose the less of two evils.
One interesting thing that I did hear is this. The person that is elected this time, will have the opportunity to appoint 2-3 life term offices for the US Supreme Court Justices. Then, if that person is re-elected in 4 years, they could possible have the ability to appoint another 2-3 Justices. This means that there will be a majority of thought in the Supreme Court, which makes most of the decisions anyway, for the next 50-70 years. So, in fact, these decisions we make, over the next 8 years could possibly be with us and influencing our country for the next 70 years.
Just something interesting to think about. Now it is time to go adjust my reader…just kidding….sorta
Sals last blog post..How to Entertain For 500
Miguel – To be fair, that sign could be tongue in cheek for the establishment. It could be from a bar or club or something which welcomes “hippies.” I don’t know as I didn’t take the photo. Though I agree with your thoughts on the matter and I have seen signs which are equally exclusionary and offensive. Thank you for your comment, I appreciate you weighing in on the matter.
Matthew – You are absolutely correct, sir. I should probably engage in a battle with my other self until one of us is gone.
Kool Aid – Wow, that post was only up for about one minute. It was a test photo to see if photos larger than the width of this column would break it or if the photos would be resized. They seemed to be resized. The photo was not mine. I’d have to find the link in order to post it. It was a cute cat, though, wasn’t it? That’s a shame that politics is dividing your house. It should not have to be that way.
Jen – Thank you.
Tara – I agree with every word you said. Except that stomping off in a huff thing! Close minded jerkess.
Jamie – Glad you decided to stay. And yes, the whole thing is messed up. As cynical as I am, I’m not without belief that some good can come of it, though. Having covered local government, I can say that those who are active can still create some change at a local level.
Urban Panther – Agreed. And the people who usually harp most on the moral issues have the most skeletons in their closets.
Betsy – LOL. Yes, the media will turn and eat whoever wins. I am curious how the news people who are so enamored with Obama will treat him once he is President, if he is in fact elected. I would hope that they will be skeptical and keep an eye on those in power. We need that. In a way, I sort of understand how some news agencies have become such Obama cheerleaders. To be excluded and lied to as they have in the current administration, they believe that “this time things will be different”. If “their guy” gets in, then things will be above board and their guy will be honest with the news agencies. I’m afraid that their optimism will not be rewarded. Though I hope that I’m wrong.
Rosie – Thank you from weighing in from the Canadian aspect. Maybe I should not have worried about so many people leaving. It would seem that most of my regular readers are either in the UK or Canada! Hmmm, I wonder what that says about me?
Writer Dad – Thanks. I was worried that this post was not well thought out enough and a bit immature. I had hoped to write it over the weekend but never found enough time until late Sunday night. It was pretty much one shot with few edits. I am afraid to even read it back today. I might cringe. I’m glad that my overall message seems to have been well accepted, though.
Kyddryn – Be careful throwing words like Buddhism around! You might end up getting someone calling you a Muslim socialist terrorist. (Sorry, couldn’t resist.) I agree with your way of looking at politics. I don’t even consider D or R when I’m in the voting booth.
Sal – I’d hate to see you leave. I see your point on the Supreme Court appointments. And I understand if that affects your vote. It is not something I would dismiss as unimportant. Vote your conscience, my friend. I’m certainly not claiming that I like everything about my candidate of choice.
BD- it’s not a bad divisive split in our house; we know where each of us stand, we just choose not to discuss it. It’s a good thing, really, because we both have that “I’m right” kind of attitude so it’s good we don’t discuss our view points – about politics, that is. That’s when it gets ugly… (we still talk about other things, even if we don’t agree.)
I went to a breakfast today of retirees from where I worked. Others talked politics — I refrained. More than one talked about being afraid of the results of this election. I think they’re afraid of change. But I didn’t say anything. Wouldn’t have done any good.
I don’t claim to be a conservative or a liberal.
It’s been written, though, that I “lean a little to the left.”
Mike Goads last blog post..Eyes of the Great Depression 002
It’s a great post, Dave. Don’t second guess it for a second. Sal, we know you’re not going anywhere. Our readers would wilt without his awesomeness.
Writer Dads last blog post..Let’s Get Our Kids Drunk! or Happy Halloween!
Great post. I agree with you!
I guess I am a political Buddhist myself. LOL! I voted early, and the candidates I voted for were all over the board as far as party affiliation. I like to vote for the person, not the party.
(And if you want my personal political opinion, I don’t think it’s gonna matter one hill of beans who ends up in the White House.)
GreenJellos last blog post..Daylight Savings Time
I can’t find the unsubscribe button? Where is the unsubscribe button!? This is a trick, isn’t it…
I don’t know blogger dad–you seem confident us careful readers won’t drop you so quickly, but I would think twice. Either that or I would ask myself why all my readers were “dirty liberals.”
Thank you for this post. I was debating about writing something similar but I couldn’t have written it as well. That said I lean more towards the right. I am a photojournalist and have been around the newspaper/ media world too. I am glad I don’t have tv and that I stopped listening to NPR a month ago (until after the election). I am tried of the hate and ignorance that seems to be flying around. I don’t hate people who disagree with me, but it makes me mad when people from either side don’t know what the are preaching. I am tried of people quoting me sound bits from tv or radio. I did my research and made my decision based on what I believe would be best for the country. Whoever wins I will respect them and their position. I might not agree with their positions but that’s the beauty of this country. I can disagree and try to do something constructive about it. I hope people on both sides will drop their bitterness and hatred after the election and the media will remember that we are supposed to be objective. I am tried of hearing vicious things said about McCain and Palin from ill informed people. Thank you for your post.
Hi BloggerDad,
I just selected you as one of the winners of an award:
http://dadsworkbench.com/2008/11/04/the-charming-blog-award/
Check it out if you have sometime.
orlunds last blog post..The Charming Blog Award.
Hi Blogger Dad,
It’s all over now so you’ll have to find another reason to get us to drop you.
Don’t you hate when that happens?
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